Chapter 8: Filthy Rich Bosses: Chapter 8

I watch Cole stalk off, his anger radiating like heat waves. The pool house door slams behind him with a resounding thud. I turn my attention back to Tessa, my breath catching in my throat.

She’s standing in front of the wooden bench, nothing but a towel wrapped around her lithe body. Droplets of sweat glisten on her collarbone, drawing my gaze down to where the towel clings to her curves.

‘Well, that was dramatic,’ I say, trying to lighten the mood. My voice comes out huskier than intended.

Tessa’s eyes meet mine, those striking blue-green orbs filled with a mix of amusement and wariness. ‘Is it always like this around here?’

I can’t help but chuckle. ‘Only on the good days.’

My mind drifts back to last night, the feel of her slick skin against mine in the cool water of the pool. The memory sends a jolt of electricity through my body, and I shift my weight, suddenly very aware of how close we are in this small, steamy room.

‘You know,’ I start, running a hand through my messy hair, ‘I don’t think I properly thanked you for the swimming lesson.’

A hint of a smile plays at the corner of her lips. ‘Oh? And how exactly were you planning to do that?’

The air between us crackles with tension. I take a step closer, drawn to her like a moth to a flame. ‘I have a few ideas,’ I murmur.

I lean in, my heart racing, but the memory of Grayson’s stern face flashes through my mind. Damn it. I pull back slightly, frustration bubbling up inside me.

‘Is something wrong?’ Tessa asks, her brow furrowing.

I let out a rueful laugh. ‘Just trying to decide how far I want to push Grayson. Apparently, he’s decided to play overprotective asshole and ‘ban’ me from interacting with you.’

Tessa rolls her eyes, a hint of annoyance crossing her features. ‘Seriously? I’m a grown woman, not some damsel in distress.”

‘Tell me about it,’ I agree, licking my lips. ‘Trust me, I wanted to take things much further last night.’

“He might be paying me, but he doesn’t own me. And he didn’t work anything about relationships into the contract—sexual or otherwise.’

A mischievous glint appears in Tessa’s eyes. ‘So, any more surprise roommates I need to worry about? Or is it just you three stooges?’

I can’t help but laugh at her sass. ‘Nah, it’s just us three. We just don’t always see eye to eye.’

Tessa’s lips quirk up in a smile. ‘Well, in that case, you should probably get back to whatever you were doing. Wouldn’t want to incur Grayson’s wrath, now would we?’

I groan dramatically. ‘Don’t remind me. The man’s like a grumpy old bulldog sometimes.’

I grin, feeling a familiar spark of defiance ignite inside me. ‘You know what? Grayson’s wrath might just be worth it.’

Before I can second-guess myself, I let the sauna door swing shut behind me. The humid air envelops us, and I can feel beads of sweat already forming on my skin. My eyes lock onto Tessa, wrapped in nothing but a towel, and I feel my pulse quicken.

I take a step toward her. ‘Besides,’ I say, keeping my voice low and playful, ‘what’s life without a little risk?’

Tessa’s eyes widen slightly as I approach. She looks hesitant, but doesn’t move away. I can see the conflict in her eyes—desire warring with caution.

‘Chase,’ she breathes, her voice barely above a whisper.

I reach out, gently running my palm across her cheek. Her skin is soft and warm under my touch. ‘Tell me to stop,’ I murmur, ‘and I will.’

But she doesn’t. Instead, she leans ever so slightly into my hand, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment.

Emboldened, I let my fingers trail down to the edge of her towel. I toy with the hem, feeling the rough texture beneath my fingertips. ‘You’re playing with fire, kitten,’ I tease, though my heart is pounding so hard I’m sure she can hear it.

Tessa’s eyes snap open, meeting mine with an intensity that takes my breath away. ‘Maybe,’ she says, her voice husky, ‘I like getting burned.’

‘I’m certain Grayson’s wrath will be worth it,’ I whisper, my lips hovering just inches from hers. The tension between us is electric, crackling in the humid air of the sauna.

Without waiting for a response, I close the distance between us, capturing her lips with mine. For a split second, Tessa freezes, and I worry I’ve misread the situation. But then she melts into me, her lips parting with a soft sigh.

The kiss deepens, and I lose myself in the taste of her. My hands find her waist, pulling her closer as her fingers tangle in my hair. God, she feels amazing.

When we finally break apart, both breathing heavily, I can’t help but grin. ‘Definitely worth it,’ I murmur.

Tessa laughs, a low, husky sound that sends shivers down my spine. ‘You’re incorrigible, you know that?’

‘It’s part of my charm,’ I quip, winking at her.

My hands find the knot of her towel, and I pause, searching her face for any sign of hesitation. ‘May I?’

She nods, biting her lower lip in a way that drives me wild. Slowly, I pull the knot, letting the towel fall away.

The sight of her takes my breath away. ‘Fuck,’ I growl, drinking in every curve, every line of her body. ‘You’re so goddamn sexy.’

Her cheeks flush, but there’s a glint in her eye that’s pure mischief. ‘Like what you see?’

‘More than you know,’ I admit, my voice rough with desire. ‘Take what you want, kitten. Have your way with me.’

I can’t help but chuckle as I reach into my pocket, fishing out a couple of condoms. Tessa’s eyes widen, and she lets out a snort of laughter.

‘Really, Chase?’ she asks, arching an eyebrow.

I shrug, trying to play it cool despite the heat rising in my cheeks. ‘What? I like to be prepared for anything.’

Her lips quirk into a smirk. ‘Anything, huh?’

‘Well,’ I admit, running a hand through my hair, ‘I may have, uh, taken care of things myself last night. You know, after Grayson went all guard dog on us.’

Tessa’s eyes dance with amusement. ‘Things?’

‘Oh, you know,’ I say, waggling my eyebrows. ‘One or three…stress relief sessions.’

She laughs, the sound echoing off the sauna walls. God, I love making her laugh.

‘All right, kitten,’ I say, stepping closer. ‘Truth or dare?’

Tessa hesitates, her teeth worrying her lower lip. ‘Truth,’ she says finally.

I can’t help the wicked grin that spreads across my face. ‘How badly do you want to come right now?’

She bites her lip harder, and I have to stifle a groan. ‘Chase…’ she breathes.

‘Let me make you come,’ I say, my voice low and husky. ‘Let me lap up all that cream.’

Without waiting for an answer, I drop to my knees in front of her. The heat of the sauna is nothing compared to the fire burning inside me as I lean in, my tongue finding her most sensitive spot.

I lose myself in the taste of her, the heat of the sauna amplifying every sensation. Tessa’s fingers tangle in my hair, guiding me where she wants me. Her breathy moans echo off the wooden walls, spurring me on.

‘Chase,’ she gasps, her grip tightening. ‘I’m close.’

I double my efforts, determined to push her over the edge. When she comes, it’s with a cry that sends shivers down my spine. I lap up every drop, savoring her taste.

Looking up at her flushed face, I’m overcome with desire. ‘Please,’ I beg, my voice hoarse. ‘Have your way with me, Tessa. I’m all yours.’

Her eyes darken, a predatory smile spreading across her face. ‘All mine, huh?’ she purrs, running a finger along my jawline. ‘Stand up.’

I scramble to my feet, eager to follow her commands. Tessa stands and circles me slowly, her gaze raking over my body. The intensity in her eyes makes me shiver despite the sauna’s heat.

‘Hands on the wall,’ she orders, her voice low and commanding.

I comply immediately, bracing myself against the warm wood. My heart races in anticipation as I feel her press against my back.

‘You want me to have my way with you?’ she whispers in my ear. ‘Be careful what you wish for, Chase.’

I can’t help the groan that escapes me as Tessa’s hands roam my body. Every touch feels electric, heightened by the steam-filled air and the lingering high of our encounter.

‘God, Tessa,’ I breathe, my forehead resting against the warm wood. ‘You’re incredible.’

She chuckles, a sound that’s equal parts sexy and endearing. ‘You’re not so bad yourself, Chase.’

I turn my head, catching a glimpse of her flushed face and sparkling eyes. My heart does a little flip in my chest. This girl is something else entirely.

I gasp as Tessa turns me and pushes me back against the hot wooden bench, her eyes glinting with desire. The sauna air is thick and steamy around us.

‘My turn,’ she purrs, straddling my lap. Her skin glistens with sweat.

‘Yes ma’am,’ I manage to reply, my voice husky.

She snatches up one of the condoms and rolls it onto me. I hiss at the contact, desperate for more. “Please, kitten.”

Tessa grins wickedly as she sinks down onto me. I groan at the exquisite sensation. She sets a torturously slow pace, rolling her hips languidly.

‘Is this what you wanted?’ she asks, nipping at my earlobe.

‘God, yes,’ I pant. My hands roam her curves, marveling at how perfectly she fits against me.

She quickens her movements, bracing her hands on my shoulders. I’m mesmerized by the bounce of her breasts, the flush creeping across her skin.

‘You feel amazing,’ I tell her reverently.

Tessa hums in pleasure, throwing her head back. I lean forward to trail kisses along her neck, tasting salt on my tongue.

My mind is reeling. How did I get so lucky? This gorgeous, confident woman taking charge—it’s like she stepped right out of my fantasies.

‘Chase,’ she moans. ‘I’m close.’

‘Let go. I’ve got you.’

I hold her tight as she comes undone, crying out my name. The sight of her in ecstasy pushes me over the edge, and I follow right after.

We collapse against each other, breathing heavily in the sweltering heat. I brush damp strands of hair from her face.

‘You are something else,’ I murmur in awe.

Tessa gives me a satisfied smirk. ‘So I’ve been told.’

‘I can’t believe you’re real,’ I murmur, half to myself.

Tessa pauses, her hand resting on my hip. ‘What do you mean?’

I laugh softly, shaking my head. ‘You’re like…every fantasy I’ve ever had come to life. Smart, funny, sexy as hell. And you can keep up with me, which is saying something.’

She snorts, giving my ass a playful smack. ‘Keep up with you? I think I just left you in the dust, buddy.’

‘No arguments here,’ I grin, pushing back against her. ‘Feel free to leave me in the dust any time.’

Her eyes search mine, a mix of desire and something softer I can’t quite place. ‘You’re pretty fantastic yourself, Chase,’ she says quietly. ‘Don’t sell yourself short.’

For a moment, I’m speechless. It’s not often that someone sees past my carefree exterior. I swallow hard, oddly touched by her words.

‘Thanks, kitten,’ I manage, my voice rougher than I intended. ‘Now, where were we?’

Her answering smile is wicked. ‘Oh, I think I remember,’ she purrs, leaning in close. ‘Something about having my way with you? I don’t think I’m finished yet.’

As she captures my lips in a searing kiss, I can’t help but think that I might be in over my head with this one. And for once in my life, I’m absolutely okay with that.